Edible History

Edible History is a culinary exploration series from Tasty aired in 2019 that embarks on an exciting journey through time, taking viewers on a gustatory adventure into the past to unravel the origins of various dishes and how they have evolved over multiple centuries. This high-quality production series explores the rich, fascinating and somewhat complex history of food, from the Ancient Egyptians’ staple bread to the extravagant Renaissance banquets, delve into various periods and regions across the globe. Each episode appropriately combines the elements of history and terrific culinary skills, thus giving birth to a wonderfully unique cooking show.

The series is helmed and hosted by Tasty's very own chef and food scientist, Hannah Hart, who is known for her enthusiastic personality, vast culinary knowledge and passion for all things food-related. Throughout Edible History, Hart showcases her deep knowledge of food history and her culinary skills as she recreates ancient recipes using the same cooking techniques and ingredients that our ancestors would have used, aiming to present viewers with a sense of what it was truly like to eat in bygone eras.

What sets Edible History apart from the average cooking show is its emphasis on the cultural, historical and social contexts within which each dish was born and nurtured. It provides viewers with a nuanced perspective of our food heritage, bringing outright the stories and people behind the very evolution of the foods we consume today.

Hart often collaborates with historians and food experts to unravel how a particular dish or ingredient was discovered or invented, and how it has transformed over centuries and across different cultures. In some instances, the high degree of historical accuracy required makes it necessary for Hannah to use traditional cooking tools and techniques that are no longer used in modern kitchens, further making this show an education for professional and budding chefs alike.

Each episode of Edible History revolves around a single food or dish, with segments dedicated to historical research, exploration of cooking techniques usually involving trial and error, following which Hart presents the final product or revival of a centuries-old dish. With its combination of culinary science and history, the series provides not just a feast for the taste buds, but also kindles the intellectual curiosity of viewers. It's also visually appealing; the set designs, costuming, and props often reflect the historical time period being explored, lending an air of authenticity to the experience.

Edible History strikes the right balance between the gastronomic exploration and the historical context surrounding the food. Viewers learn not just about recipes or culinary procedures, but also about the geographical, political, and socio-economic factors that influenced these foods' evolution. It's a lesson in anthropology as much as it is a food show, offering a multifaceted view into the past.

By shedding light on the course of food's evolution, Edible History also emphasizes the cross-cultural exchanges that have shaped cuisines worldwide. It demonstrates how culinary tradition travels and transforms, dispelling the myth of unique, siloed culinary heritage. It shows the interconnectedness of world cuisines and their shared history, encouraging greater cultural appreciation and understanding.

Fans of culinary programming will find Edible History a refreshing detour from other food-focused shows. Rather than centered on competition or lifestyle, it presents captivating storytelling interlaced with cooking, sparking interest whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or firmly ensconced in both camps. It's as enlightening as it is entertaining, weaving together the past and the present not just through an exposition of historical cooking scripts, but also in a way that makes sense to today's viewers. In each episode, Hart conjures up the past in the present, celebrating both the beginnings of the dish and its continued appeal through the ages.

In summary, 2019's Edible History from Tasty is an enlightening and delightful expedition into the past and a testimony to food's universal and timeless appeal. It's an engaging celebration of the human connection to food, exploring our culinary roots and understanding how foods from thousands of years ago can still be found on our tables today. Packed with fascinating history, wisdom, and wonderful flavors, it's an unmissable feast for food and history enthusiasts alike.